Tag: dengue

A Delhi based green NGO, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has recently urged the government to focus on more effective measures for combating the largely spread Dengue, as the current measures of Fogging have been ineffective.

According to the NGO, the Anti-Dengue Fogging drives are nothing but a false sense of security among the public, a measure that is used by the Government’s for appeasement by wasting lakhs of litres of Diesel every year. CSE urged the government to focus on systematic preventive measures towards clean environment and sanitation. Its assessment said that 4.5 lakh litre of diesel could be used this year for fogging, which comes to 4,500 litres of diesel per day and is also equivalent to the usage of diesel by 2,000 cars in a day. CSE said that targeting adult mosquitoes offers temporary control and that too in limited settings and under ideal conditions and unless repeated frequently, fogging cannot control the next batch of adults out of the larvae. Thus, a source control is a must, using larvacides, to destroy the larva, and effectively prevent public from Dengue. The WHO guidelines on dengue too “questions” the role of fogging and recognises that fogging has been used by South-East Asian countries for the past 25 years but has not been effective.

“Medical experts suggest that direct inhalation of diesel fumes, combined with insecticides, can exacerbate asthma or bronchitis among those with respiratory ailments.

“Pregnant women, small children and old people are most susceptible to aggravation. Eye specialists also mention that diesel fumes can also cause irritation and itching on skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure could lead to temporary swelling of the corneas,” CSE said.

Have you ever wondered why tulsi leaves are traditionally put in the mouth of a dying person? It is said to guide the departed soul towards heaven. It is also believed to be a ward against evil spirits and ghosts. While Hindu mythology is replete with various legends woven around this sacred plant, tulsi holds a special place in Ayurved as its medicinal uses are phenomenal.

According to Ms. Sandhya Gugnani, a famous nutritionist:

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, has an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties which help in purifying the blood and keep skin and hair healthy and glowing. The holy basil is packed with antioxidants as well as immune-enhancing qualities, the phytochemicals present in tulsi protect the body from damages caused by free radicals thus, delaying the aging process. Tulsi helps in increasing the metabolism which aids in weight loss when coupled with increased physical activity & a healthy diet. It also increases sensitivity to insulin, lowering one’s blood sugar & treating diabetes

How to benefit from Tulsi

– Having fever? Have tulsi and cardamom boiled in water. It helps bring down the fever.
– Tulsi is a germicide and disinfectant. It protects us from infections.
– Tulsi with honey and ginger is an effective remedy against bronchitis, asthma, influenza and cold.
– Eating tulsi empty stomach, is known to relieve one from kidney stones.
– Tulsi reduces blood cholesterol levels.
– Tulsi contains Vitamin C and other antioxidants such as eugenol which protects the heart from harmful effects of free radicals.
– Warm tulsi juice gets rid of stomach worms.
– Foul breath is such a big turn off! Guess what! Tulsi fights with bad breath, pyorrhoea and cavities and other dental problems.
– Tulsi has been traditionally known to cure night blindness.
– A large group of researchers believe that it has the potential to fight cancer, as it scavenges free radicals in the body.